2nd Annual Adaptive Sailing Clinic Sets Sail

The Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center (CSC) will be teaming up with the Northeast Disabled Athletic Association (NDAA) and the City of Burlington Department of Parks and Recreation to provide an adaptive sailing clinic for sailors with disabilities. The event will take place on Sunday, August 17 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Burlington Boathouse.

Designed to highlight adaptive sailing opportunities in and around the Burlington area, the second annual Adaptive Sailing Clinic will have adaptive sailboats in the water available for participants. The Community Sailing Center’s Adaptive Watersports Program uses specialized equipment and teaching methods to make sailing more accessible to people with disabilities, including an adapted Sonar and two Martin 16s.

“We are honored to work alongside the Northeast Disabled Athletic Association and to have the support of the Derek Schueler Fund in order to bring the Adaptive Sailing Clinic to the Burlington community. In partnership with Vermont Adaptive (VASS), our Adaptive Watersports Program provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to build self-confidence and create lasting relationships through the sport of sailing,” explains Mark Naud, Executive Director of the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center.

The fund was formed at the CSC in August 2013, in memory of Derek Schueler, a resident of Burlington and a student at UVM, who loved sailing on Lake Champlain with his family, and believed that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in the sport. Donors from across the U.S. supported the fund in Derek’s honor.

“We are grateful that the Derek Schueler Fund acquired these new Martin 16s and will continue to support the Community Sailing Center’s Adaptive Watersports programming in the future,” says Naud.

The Adaptive Sailing Clinic introduces people with disabilities, who are interested in learning more about sailing, to programs like NDAA and the CSC’s Adaptive Watersports Program. Individuals who are interested in volunteering with these organizations are also encouraged to attend. The event is open to the public and limited sailing opportunities will be available to individuals with disabilities on a first come, first serve basis.
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About Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center: A community-based non-profit organization, Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center encourages and celebrates the responsible use and long-term stewardship of Lake Champlain by providing the community with educational and recreational access to Lake Champlain. The Community Sailing Center (CSC) is a vital community resource on the Burlington Waterfront that serves over 5,000 people each year through award winning programs, which use human powered watercraft as a medium to instill a sense of ownership in one of Vermont’s most important natural resources. A cornerstone of the Burlington community for 20 years, the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center inspires lake stewardship, provides universal access to the lake and is helping preserve the beauty of Lake Champlain for future generations. To learn more about the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center, please visit: http://www.CommunitySailingCenter.org.